KABUL (SW) – The US has vowed to push for long-term ceasefire or reduction in violence in Afghanistan, an official statement said on Monday.
According to the presidency, last night President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and chairman High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah received a call from Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo. “He thanked the Afghan government for initiating the brave process of releasing up to 2,000 Taliban prisoners. He asserted that the U.S. will push for a long-term ceasefire/RiV and start of direct negotiations”, the Arg tweeted.
Secretary Pompeo has welcome the announcements by the Taliban and the Afghan government of a three-day Eid ceasefire. “This presents a tremendous opportunity for Afghans to overcome other obstacles and move urgently to intra Afghan negotiations that end the war.2/2 intra-Afghan negotiations and to pave the way for further progress which is to follow. The Islamic Emirate is committed to release of prisoners on its own part”, he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, spokesman for the Taliban’s Qatar office, Suhail Shaheen has also hailed release of 2000 prisoners by the Afghan government. “The stipulation in Doha Agreement for release of 5000 prisoners was to create a conducive atmosphere of confidence. This process should be completed in order to remove hurdles in the way of commencement of intra-Afghan negotiations and to pave the way for further progress which is to follow. “The Islamic Emirate (Taliban) is committed to release of prisoners on its own part”, he said.
ENDS
